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(Salix viminalis)
Basket Willow (Salix viminalis)
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Tatiana Strus
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Tatiana Strus
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tatiana Strus | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Tatiana Strus | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-29T13:27:39-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Salix viminalis, commonly known as Basket Willow, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to wetlands, riverbanks, and moist open areas in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as Siberia. It typically grows to a height of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) and a width of 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters). The plant is characterized by its long, slender branches and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The flowers, known as catkins, are yellow and appear in early spring before the leaves, providing an early source of pollen for bees.
Basket Willow is valued for its fast growth and flexible stems, which have been traditionally used for basket weaving. It is also used for erosion control along waterways due to its extensive root system. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in wet, poorly drained soils, making it suitable for planting in riparian zones and wetland restoration projects. However, it can be susceptible to willow scab and other fungal diseases. Gardeners should be cautious as Salix viminalis can spread aggressively by root suckers and is considered invasive in some regions outside its native range, including parts of the United States.CC BY-SA 4.0
Basket Willow is valued for its fast growth and flexible stems, which have been traditionally used for basket weaving. It is also used for erosion control along waterways due to its extensive root system. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in wet, poorly drained soils, making it suitable for planting in riparian zones and wetland restoration projects. However, it can be susceptible to willow scab and other fungal diseases. Gardeners should be cautious as Salix viminalis can spread aggressively by root suckers and is considered invasive in some regions outside its native range, including parts of the United States.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 15-20 feet
- Width: 3-5 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetlands, riverbanks, and moist open areas
Other Names
Common Names: Common Osier, Osier, Common Osier, Osier, Hemp Willow, Bånd-Pil, Korbweide, Hanfweide, Korb-Weide, Salguero Blanco
Scientific Names: , Salix viminalis, Salix polia, Salix capriformis, Salix rufescens, Salix splendens, Salix strobilaceae, Salix viminalis f. splendens, Salix viminalis var. genuina, Salix viminalis var. latifolia
GBIF Accepted Name: Salix viminalis L.